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Vitamins and nail: In health and diseases
Archana Singal1, Kavita Bisherwal1
1Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital (University of Delhi), Delhi, India.
Clinics in Dermatology
|February 14, 2026
Summary
Vitamin deficiencies can cause nail issues, but evidence supporting vitamin supplements for nail health is limited. Supplementation may not be beneficial and carries potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Nails are specialized skin appendages with protective and aesthetic functions.
- Vitamins are crucial for bodily growth and function, and deficiencies can manifest in nails.
- Current evidence on vitamin supplementation for nail health is limited and often non-specific.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of vitamin supplementation in nail health.
- To assess the efficacy and risks associated with vitamin supplements for nail disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on vitamin deficiencies and nail manifestations.
- Analysis of studies investigating biotin and vitamin E supplementation for nail health.
Main Results:
- Vitamin deficiencies can cause easily recognizable but non-specific nail changes.
- Limited robust evidence supports vitamin supplementation for general nail health or diseased nail appearance.
- Biotin and vitamin E have shown variable outcomes in nail disorders.
Conclusions:
- The role of vitamin supplementation in improving general nail health lacks substantial evidence.
- Injudicious use of supplements for nail health may not be uniformly beneficial and poses risks.
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